Wales star Nicky Smith is poised to leave Leicester Tigers for Gallagher Premiership rivals Sale Sharks, according to reports. The 31-year-old prop, who has earned 59 caps for Wales, made a strong impact at Welford Road after arriving from the Ospreys two years ago. His standout scrummaging helped him become one of the top looseheads in English rugby, and he was named in the Premiership Team of the Season at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Although Leicester reportedly offered him a new contract to extend his stay, Smith appears set to depart when his current deal expires at the end of the season. RugbyPass indicates he will be Sale’s second signing ahead of the 2025/26 season, with agreement in place and only paperwork remaining. He will join England international Joe Marchant, who is moving from Stade Français, at Alex Sanderson’s side.
Stade Français had shown interest in Smith, as did Saracens, but Sale now seems his likely destination as Sanderson accelerates recruitment. The Sharks are also linked with England internationals Alex Mitchell and Chandler Cunningham-South, and discussions with Saracens pair Elliot Daly and Alex Lozowski are believed to be ongoing to strengthen the squad at the CorpAcq Stadium.
Sanderson recently hinted recruitment could accelerate, saying in a RugbyPass interview that several players may join in the coming weeks.
With Smith’s exit looming, Leicester are reportedly considering Welsh teammate Rhys Carre as a potential replacement. Carre, a Saracens prop, was previously a target for Mike Tindall’s Rebel league, but that project has been delayed to 2028. Still, Leicester are said to be keen to secure him while he’s available.
Smith and Carre are among several Wales internationals whose futures are clouded by the current temper of Welsh rugby, with more top Welsh talents linked to moves to England.
Meanwhile, Wales captain Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake are expected to leave the Ospreys for Gloucester, who seem well-placed to complete a high-profile double deal. Fly-half Dan Edwards may also depart the Ospreys, with Leicester reportedly showing interest in the rising 22-year-old. Kieran Hardy is described as active in discussions to move to Gloucester as a scrum-half replacement for Tomos Williams, who could be set for a move to Saracens, though Hardy would prefer to stay in Wales.
Ospreys prop Gareth Thomas has drawn interest from England, with Exeter said to be leading the chase, while Louis Rees-Zammit faces a decision as his one-year Bristol Bears contract ends. Stay connected for the latest Welsh rugby developments through our daily updates and WhatsApp channel.
